IT was our original intention to print and distribute a small number of these booklets gratuitously among our Mends with the hope that this story might aid in the sale of War Savings Stamps.
However, before the booklet was finished we had a number of requests from large firms who desired to purchase them in quantities for distribution among their own people. This we had not planned on.
In taking the matter up with Samuel Hopkins Adams, the author, he suggested that he was willing to forego any remuneration if we would furnish these books at cost. This we gladly consented to do, and we will print and deliver any size edition, selling them at actual cost.
We are glad to do this, for we will feel well repaid for our efforts, if every book is the means of selling one War Savings Stamp.
SMITH & PORTER PRESS, INC.
530 ATLANTIC AVENUE, BOSTON, MASS.
The thought in mind that this story might suggest a way to increase the sale of War Savings Stamps, the publishers and the author, who receive no remuneration, have kindly consented to allow us to print and distribute gratuitously this booklet.
Smith & Porter Press, Inc.
VAN TENNER was a man who pursued his way through life by fixed habits. He lived in Philadelphia. That was one of the habits. He ate regularly, slept regularly, rose regularly, worked regularly and went to the club regularly; all this within the limits of a very comfortable income. He never overstrained this income. That’s what kept it so comfortable. It also kept E. Van Tenner comfortable. They were very comfortable together, which is fortunate, as there were only the two of them to look after each other. That is to say, E. Van Tenner was a bachelor. As to his age, face, form and apparel, the illustrator may, if he will, apprise you. Not I. They have no essential bearing upon this, my tale, which is no love story, for love and E. Van Tenner were strangers.
But though love had passed him by, war came home to him, touching him with intimate shock upon the income and then upon his habits; but this he endured, not without discomposure, indeed, but without resentment, for one of his best habits was to be honestly and thoroughly patriotic. In sundry phases war came to him; but the particular phase which, at the time of the beginning of this chronicle, interrupted him in the task of figuring up personal accounts, wore white whiskers and an ingratiating expression and was a professional beggar, not for pay but for patriotism.
The professional and patriotic beggar fixed E. Van Tenner with a bright and amiable eye and said—that is, he would have said if E. Van Tenner hadn’t first said:
“No.” And then repeated it with level and considered firmness: “No. No. No.”
“But——” began the professional beggar.
“I subscribed liberally to the first Liberty Loan.”
“I know. But——”
“More liberally to the second Liberty Loan.”